Protected: BOUND TO THE BEAST SEASON 2: CHAPTER 51 – 60

BOUND TO THE BEAST SEASON 2: CHAPTER 51 – 60

Hansel approached them with his shy smile and dimpled cheeks. “Hi. Have you not floated your lantern yet?”

Aekeira shook her head, clutching the delicate paper orb protectively. “Not yet. I’m not ready to let it go.”

Hansel’s smile widened. “Lanterns will float till morning. You can take your time.”

Amie shot Aekeira a knowing wink before disappearing into the crowd.

“You look pretty tonight,” His gaze lingered on her gown.

“Thanks,” Aekeira smoothed down the simple fabric. It was nothing fancy, but it was a far cry from the drab slave uniforms they usually wore.

“Where is your brother?” Hansel asked, glancing around.

“He’s… with another group,” Aekeira lied.

Em was dressed as a princess, attending the festival with Lord Herod. It warmed Aekeira’s heart.

Em might hide it well, but she knew her sister longed for the freedom to express her femininity. To think that to survive, Em had to see herself as completely male to the extent she referred to herself as one, even in private, was exceedingly heartbreaking.

Aekeira was just glad she was finally getting the chance to express the part of herself that had been suppressed for so long.

“That’s good, that’s good,” Hansel stammered, his gaze fixed on his feet. He shifted nervously, a blush creeping up his neck. “Would you like to… maybe take a walk?”

“Uhmm…” Aekeira hesitated, the invitation hanging between them. She knew his intentions, and the last thing she wanted was to lead him on.

“Just to walk and talk, I promise.” he looked at her with such earnest hope, his eyes pleading.

Maybe it’s better to focus on a friendship with a human your own age rather than a hopeless infatuation with an ancient Urekai lord thousands of years older who would never return your affections.

“Alright,” she agreed, a tentative smile gracing her lips.

Hansel’s face lit up, his dimples deepening. “Thank you so much!”

Together, they strolled through the festival. The air was alive with the sounds of laughter and music. Sweet scent of blooming flowers mingled with the smoky aroma of grilled delicacies.

BOUND TO THE BEAST SEASON 2: CHAPTER 51 – 60

Emeriel and Lord Herod strolled beneath the moonlit sky, their lanterns casting soft lights on the cobblestone path.

As they passed, heads bowed, and curious eyes followed them.

“They are surprised,” Lord Herod remarked with a gentle laugh. “I have not been seen with a female since Vera’s passing. Most often, it’s Ezra, my bloodhost, by my side.”

Emeriel glanced around, a soft smile gracing her lips. “Everyone adores you, My Lord. And why wouldn’t they? You’re the kindest Urekai I know.”

He chuckled. “You flatter me, Emeriel.”

They reached a crowded square, its air filled with music and laughter. Urekai commoners gathered under a canopy of glowing lanterns, the women swaying and singing in unison as the men watched with adoration.

“Many find love on nights like these,” Lord Herod mused. “Some will return home with a bond after the seven-day bonding ritual, while others will carry a broken heart.”

Emeriel only half-heard his words, her thoughts drifting to the grand king.

Lately, he had dominated her thoughts so much that any moment he wasn’t in her mind felt strangely empty.

Last night had been terrifying. Yet the memory of his touch…the passion in his eyes… they had been in her mind all day. His kisses had left her weak in the knees.

“Emeriel?”

BOUND TO THE BEAST SEASON 2: CHAPTER 51 – 60

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